THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 2, 1994 TAG: 9411010083
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
Dr. Bernadette Leidel didn't have to join the Navy to see the world. Her father did the enlisting; she went along for the ride. As a service ``brat'' she lived everywhere - Taipei, Taiwan, Boston, San Diego, Hawaii. . . .
When her military family landed in Hampton Roads, it became home and the place where she would eventually go into medical practice.
``I was really small when I decided I wanted to be a doctor,'' said the Virginia Beach pediatrician. ``My parents always wanted me to be `something.' ''
Working with children is great, she said. ``I feel comfortable and the kids are so sweet and honest.''
Full name: Bernadette Espiritu Leidel.
Hometown: Being part of a Navy family, I lived in many cities. Norfolk was the last duty station my father had so I consider Norfolk my hometown.
What brought you to the Beach? We wanted to be close to the ocean, but yet not too far from the beauty of the farmlands and the mountains of Virginia.
Birthdate: July 24, 1964.
Occupation: Pediatrician.
Nickname: Bernie.
Marital status: Married.
Children: Lauren, 3 1/2 years.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Spending quality time with my family without any other responsibilities.
Last smart thing you did: Accepting the job offer from Drs. Arline and Ford from the Children's Medical Center of Tidewater.
Last dumb thing you did: As an intern at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, I responded to a fire code thinking it was a medical code.
Favorite meal: Lasagna and seafood.
Favorite movies: Mel Gibson's ``Hamlet,'' ``Amadeus,'' ``Schindler's List,'' and ``Aladdin.''
Favorite song: Prelude in D Minor by Sergei Rachmaninoff.
Last book read: ``Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis.'' (I was studying for the boards.)
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My hair. It is too wild and uncontrollable.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? I really cannot think of anything. He is a great father, husband, lover and best friend.
Hobbies: Cross stitching, hiking, camping, skiing, piano playing.
Secret vice: Double chocolate anything and falling asleep in front of the TV.
Favorite restaurant: Henry's.
Your favorite night on the town: A night with close friends for dinner and games after a long day on the ski slopes.
Favorite TV shows: ``Seinfeld,'' ``ER,'' ``Law and Order,'' ``Melrose Place,'' ``Beverly Hills 90210.''
Favorite sport: Football.
Last vacation: Hiking and camping at Sherando Lake, Va.
Worst job: Cashier at a fast-food place on the naval base.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Becoming a mother and a pediatrician.
What would you like on your epitaph? For those she touched, she made the sun shine a little brighter. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MORT FRYMAN
Bernadette E. Leidel
by CNB